Rosslyn rock, Leeds left to lift levels
Leeds Tykes fell to a 53–17 defeat away at Rosslyn Park, despite periods of promising pressure and a determined late effort at The Rock.
The hosts made the stronger start, using their line-out and maul to good effect. After early territory in the Leeds 22, Park opened the scoring on 10 minutes when Charlie Piper was driven over. The hooker repeated the feat shortly after, and a third try followed through Conrad Cade capitalising on turnover ball from a line-out, giving Park a 12-0 advantage.
Leeds responded well, building phases inside the home half and earning their reward when Tom Davis powered over from close range, with Seremaia Bai Turagabeci’s conversion reducing the gap to 12-7. The visitors then enjoyed more time with ball in hand, but were unable to convert further chances as they couldn’t make significant territory. Park regained momentum before the break, adding two more tries including a second for Piper, to lead 22-10 at half-time, with Turagabeci adding to his side’s score via a well-struck penalty.
The Tykes continued to challenge in the early stages of the second half, but Park proved clinical in attack. Piper grabbed his hat-trick, a sharp finish from Murray Redpath, followed by Benji Marfo’s second and a brace for Freddie Vaughn, including an intercept try, saw the scoreboard move out of reach.
Leeds maintained their effort throughout and kept pressing inside Park territory, particularly in the final ten minutes. Their persistence was rewarded with a close-range try, with Louis Guthrie scoring. Turagabeci converted to bring the score to 53-17. There was further pressure on the line, with a held-up effort and a Tom Davis break where he needed support to score, but, ultimately, Park’s defence held firm.
While the result was a disappointing one for the Tykes, there were positive spells in both halves. The focus now turns to responding next time out as Leeds continue their campaign in National One.
After the match, Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said: “‘I’m disappointed with the result. We came here with a real intent to play and have a go. But Rosslyn Park are a quality side and they are top of the league for good reason; you can see how good they are. We need to strive to get to that level.
In parts we’ve played some really good stuff and then we made an error to two, with the quality that they have in there in their side, they bullied us. There was some some good individual performances, players tried hard and they kept going right to end. I thought we might sneak a bonus point, but it wasn’t to be. We’ll regroup, regather and we’ll start again on Tuesday.”
